Memories flood back at Aliir’s reunion
SWANS emerging star Aliir Aliir has made an emotional trip of a lifetime, returning to Africa for the first time since he left a Kenyan refugee camp at the age of seven.
The pre-Christmas trip to Kampala in Uganda was for his oldest brother Akolda’s wedding. The gathering was also a massive family reunion where he caught up with 10 of his 12 brothers and sisters, some of whom he hadn’t seen since his family left Kenya to move to Australia 16 years ago. “It was amazing,” Aliir said. “I had a lot of flashbacks about the things I used to do. I was watching kids playing soccer in the dirt and making balls out of sticks – to see all that brought back a lot of memories. I would have loved to have stayed a bit longer.”
There were also some new experiences for Aliir as he donned traditional dress for his brother’s wedding.
“That was the first time I’ve worn traditional dress,” Aliir said.
“My brother picked out the wedding clothes. We all wore traditional dress which was great. It has been difficult to go to the weddings in Australia because of my footy commitments. It was a new experience and I’m glad I got to do it. The whole family were there except for one of my sisters and one brother.”
Aliir’s exploits on the football field haven’t gone un- noticed by his African-based family but some of them are still struggling to get a handle on just what the AFL is all about.
“They don’t know the game very well, they still think I’m playing soccer,” Aliir said.
The son of South Sudanese parents, Aliir spent the first seven years of his life in a Kenyan refugee camp before moving to Brisbane.
After taking up Aussie rules as a teenager he made a remarkable family discovery rid- ing on a bus to an under 16 National Championship match in Western Sydney.
One of his Perth-based teammates on the International team turned out to be his first cousin.
Aliir’s mother, brother and sisters then moved to WA to reunite.
Aliir, who has been battling a toe injury, will be back in action today at Blacktown when the Swans reserves take on Sydney Uni in a practice match.